December 19, 2012

Yountville: Villagio Inn & Spa; hotel review

pool area at Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville, California
Wine Country

Villagio Inn & Spa  

6481 Washington, (800) 351-1133, (707) 944-8877.  112 rooms.  All wood-burning fireplaces.  Afternoon tea; champagne breakfast; room service.  Pool, hot tub; full-service spa. 

A sister to nearby Vintage Inn, the serene Tuscan-style Villagio Inn & Spa is composed of 2-story building clusters.  It is well-located for walking to this town’s prime restaurants, and pathways lined with water features lead through lush gardens.  All guest rooms have private patios or balconies, oversize deep soaking tubs, and a complimentary welcome bottle of wine.  The lavish breakfast buffet includes champagne, delicious flaky pastries, and an omelette station.  Spa Villagio has separate male and female relaxation lounges, each with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, Swiss-style multi-spray showers, a steam room, a sauna, and an outdoor hydrotherapy soaking bath.  Five spa day suites provide privacy and a steam shower, wet bar, and flat-screen TV with Bose sound systems.



More things to do in Yountville.

More things to do in the Wine Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

December 17, 2012

Point Reyes Station: Coyuchi Outlet; things to do

1 North

Coyuchi Outlet  

11101 State Route One, suite 201, (415) 663-8077 x322.  Daily 10-5. 

merchandise at Coyuchi Outlet in Point Reyes Station, California
merchandise at Coyuchi Outlet in Point Reyes Station, California


Shop in the atmospheric second-floor Coyuchi Outlet for up to 70% off factory seconds and discontinued items along with the complete seasonal line.  Along with sheets and towels, you’ll find pajamas, bathrobes, and baby items. 


More things to do on Highway 1 and in the Point Reyes area.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

December 14, 2012

Yountville: Hurley’s Restaurant & Bar; restaurant review

6518 Washington St., (707) 944-2345.  L-D daily; $$-$$$.  Reservations advised. 

With a pleasant dining room dominated by a stone fireplace, Hurley’s Restaurant & Bar serves a seasonal menu and is known for its wild game dishes.  I recently enjoyed a tasty roasted-baby beet salad that was loaded with multi-colored beets and accented with arugula and spiced pecans.  My dinner entrĂ©e was a long-simmered braised wild boar (from Texas) with polenta and tiny, thin onion rings; other enticing options included crispy-skinned rosemary-and-maple roasted chicken with applewood-smoked bacon-potato puree, tamarind and chipotle-glazed buffalo short ribs, and roasted breast of pheasant and brussel sprout leaves.  For dessert, the ice cream sandwich is hard to beat, though the strawberry shortcake in summer and the warm gingerbread cake in winter just might do it.  At lunch, choose from a bargain $20 two-course prix fixe lunch, a burger, and more.  A gluten-free menu is available.  All this, and no corkage fee, too!  Wild Game Week is in November and the Dungeness Crab Festival occurs in December.



More things to do in Yountville.

More things to do in the Wine Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

December 12, 2012

Point Reyes Station: Black Mountain Artisans/Weavers; things to do

11245 Main St., (415) 663-9130.  Thur-M 11-5. 

interior of Black Mountain Artisans/Weavers in Point Reyes Station, California
interior of Black Mountain Artisans/Weavers in Point Reyes Station, California


At Black Mountain Artisans/Weavers you’ll find spectacular one-of-a-kind items handmade by local craftspeople—think knitted fingerless gloves and elaborate crocheted hats. 


More things to do on Highway 1 and in the Point Reyes area.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

December 10, 2012

San Anselmo: Yankee Girl (CLOSED); things to do

antique Christmas ornaments at Yankee Girl in San Anselmo, California
101 North

Yankee Girl  

CLOSED  328 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., (415) 460-0400.  M-Sat 10:30-5:30, Sun 12-5:30. 

Located on antiques row, the Yankee Girl shop presents a nicely edited collection of antiques.  Decorations and ornaments galore come out curing the Christmas season.




December 4, 2012

Monterey: Parker-Lusseau Pastries; restaurant review

1 South

Parker-Lusseau Pastries  

in Fremont Adobe

731 Munras Ave., (831) 643-0300.  W-Sat 7-4:30; $$.  No cards. 

This is the main location for Parker-Lusseau Pastries, where everything from French desserts to artisan chocolates to wedding cakes are prepared.  The almond croissant and hot chocolate are particularly delicious at breakfast, and soup, sandwiches, and quiche are options at lunch.

exterior of Parker-Lusseau Pastries in the Fremont Adobe in Monterey, California
exterior of Parker-Lusseau Pastries in the Fremont Adobe in Monterey, California


A branch of the popular bakery (depicted above; at 539 Hartnell St., downtown, (831) 641-9188.  M-F 7-5:30, Sat 7:30-4.) is situated within the carefully restored two-story Fremont Adobe, which some believe was once the headquarters of John C. Fremont.  Tiny tables are available inside as well as outside on a small porch and in an adjacent garden.


More Monterey adobes.

All-adobe tour of Monterey.

More things to do in Monterey.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

November 30, 2012

Burlingame: Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia; things to do

214 California Dr./Howard Ave., (650) 347-2301.


KISS Pez dispensers at Burlingame Museum of Pex Memorabilia in Burlingame, California
KISS Pez dispensers at Burlingame Museum of Pex Memorabilia
in Burlingame, California


Operating in what was once a computer store, the small Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia displays all of the more than 600 styles of plastic Pez candy dispensers that have been produced from the 1950s to the present.  Owner Gary Doss says, “I haven’t sold a computer in 16 years.  Pez is a lot more fun and requires less customer support.”  The rarest item is a 1972 Make-a-Face.  Snoopy, Bugs Bunny, and Fred Flintstone are all on display, along with Tweety Bird, who starred in a Seinfeld episode that was declared by TV Guide to be the 42nd most funny episode on TV.  A collection of classic toys that are also 50-plus years old--including Lincoln Logs and Mr. Potato Head—and an example of the original Barbie and the world’s first comic book are also displayed.  A large selection of contemporary and collectible Pez dispensers (even Santa!) and candy refills are for sale in the well-stocked gift shop, where you can also have your picture taken with the world’s largest Pez dispenser.  The Pez mint was invented in Linz, Austria—where they are still made--in 1927.  It was introduced to the U.S. in fruit flavors and offered in a head dispenser in 1952 (the first dispensers were head-less).


More things to do in Burlingame.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 28, 2012

San Francisco: Great Dickens Christmas Fair; things to do

San Francisco

Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Actually held in Daly City in a building adjacent to the Cow Palace, the spectacular seasonal Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a don't-miss.  I attended last weekend and fell in love again with stepping from the real world into the fantasy world of Dickens' London.  And I had the surprise pleasure of enjoying afternoon tea in the Dickens Family Parlour and meeting the great man himself.  Entertainment here is on-going, so you can walk for a spell and sit for a spell and eat for a spell.  Highlights include a traditional tea in the Cuthbert's Tea Shoppe (make reservations for the popular 4 p.m. tea with complimentary entertainment), opera in the Victoria & Albert Music Hall, and cancan dancing at Mad Sal's.  All this is punctuated by periodic parades featuring The Queen and her procession, and colorful characters mingling in the "streets."  Oh yes, and there are shops galore--I loved the Fitz-Gerald Manor Shop's gigantic collection of English tea cups and saucers--and crafts and games for kids and the young at heart, including the London Sweep Dispatch and Boot the Cat.  Runs weekends through December 23; 10am-7pm.

2018 update









November 26, 2012

San Rafael: Terrapin Crossroads (CLOSED); restaurant review

ribs and potato salad at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California
101 North

Terrapin Crossroads  

CLOSED  100 Yacht Club Dr./Francisco Blvd., central San Rafael exit off Hwy. 101, (415) 524-2773.  D Tu-Sun, Sat-SunBr; $$. 

Located in an unlikely spot behind a frontage of car dealerships, this new restaurant and music venue is owned by Grateful Dead musician Phil Lesh.  It is expansive, with both indoor and outdoor canal-side seating.  An adjacent auditorium where Lesh performs regularly with musician friends is in the process of being refurbished.  Terrapin Crossroads  decor features light hardwood floors, some portholes, and rough weathered barn-wood walls adorned with photos of Lesh and others.  Seating areas are varied—one is especially for families--and include many comfortable oversize booths.  Organic and local is the aim of the eclectic seasonal menu featuring wood-fired pizzas with exceptional thin crust, housemade pastas, a burger on a potato pepper bun with housemade pickles (a veggie version, too), Alaskan cod fish & chips, and a chopped chicken salad.  My choices were a creamy-smooth cauliflower soup and spectacular, tender balsamic-glazed pork ribs with a perfectly prepared mustard-spiced potato salad.  My dining partner chose a satisfying mushroom risotto.  We shared and demolished the best chocolate cake I’ve had in ages—sort of a devils food-style double chocolate cake with a creamy chocolate frosting.  I can see why people become loyal repeat customers—the menu holds more mouth-watering items than can be sampled in one visit.  More reasons to return include for brunch on the patio that stretches into the San Rafael Canal, for the complimentary live music at Wednesday dinner and Sunday brunch, and for the scheduled concerts in the auditorium.  The taproom bar dispenses draught beers, wines by the glass, cocktails, and more.  Should you want a souvenir, a counter at the entrance sells posters and t-shirts, 


More things to do in San Rafael.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 21, 2012

Monterey: Royal Presidio Chapel; things to do

500 Church St./Figueroa St., (831) 373-2628. 

exterior of the San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey, California
exterior of the San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey, California


Known today as San Carlos Cathedral, this structure stands on the site of the original Monterey Presidio and next to the site of the original mission, Mission San Carlos, founded in 1770 by Father Junipero Serra (he then moved on to Carmel to reestablish the mission there in 1771).  Completed in 1794, it is the fourth Royal Presidio Chapel and is now the only original presidio building still standing (and thus the oldest building in Monterey).  It is California’s first cathedral, the country’s smallest cathedral, and the state’s oldest church in continuous use.  Constructed with an elaborate sandstone façade, adobe walls, and a stone base, it was recently restored (windows in the interior walls permit viewing sections of unplastered adobe).  An adjacent history center displays found artifacts. 


More Monterey adobes.

All-adobe tour of Monterey.

More things to do in Monterey.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 19, 2012

Burlingame: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport + Knuckles Historical Sports Bar + Swiftwater Cafe; hotel review + restaurant review

1333 Bayshore Hwy., (800) 233-1234, (650) 347-1234.  10 stories; 789815 rooms; $$.  Heated pool; hot tub; fitness room.  3 restaurants; room service.  Pets ok.

The fabulous 10-story atrium at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport features greenery, revitalizing natural light, and a cascading waterfalls.  Prime guest rooms face the airport and bay, but rooms opening on the immense indoor atrium are also enjoyable.  Beds are made with Italian-made Egyptian cotton linens, and each room has an iHome clock radio and a desk with an Aeron office chair.  Complimentary amenities include a 24-hour airport shuttle and a shuttle to nearby downtown Burlingame for one-of-a-kind shops and specialty restaurants. 

Park, Stay N’ Fly Package  

A Park, Stay N' Fly Package is sometimes available.  It Includes a spacious guestroom, complimentary shuttle to/from the San Francisco International Airport, and free parking for up to ten days in a covered lot (additional parking days are $10 per, with a maximum of twenty days).

beers at Knuckles Historical Sports Bar in Burlingame, California

Knuckles Historical Sports Bar 

L-D daily. 

Knuckles Historical Sports Bar features 30 big flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and several pool tables.  Non-gustatory delights in this atmospheric pub include pressed-tin ceilings and old-time tiny 1-inch white floor tiles.  But I was most impressed by the 30 ice-cold beers on tap—my favorite being the Spaten from Germany (my companion favored the Pilsner Urquell from Czechoslovakia).  Fish & chips and fall-off-the-bone-tender barbecued ribs made tasty accompaniments.  Salads, sandwiches, and hand-tossed pizza round out the menu.  There are plenty of stools at the friendly bar, as well as high banquettes with small round tables and also regular table seating.

brunch buffet at Swiftwater Cafe in Burlingame, California

Swiftwater Cafe 

B-L daily, Sun brunch, D sometimes.

Swiftwater Cafe is open to the dramatic  atrium and serves a daily breakfast buffet in addition to an a la carte breakfast and lunch menu.  The Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch offers an expansive array that includes fresh seafood, sushi, dim sum, made-to-order omelets and pancakes, meat carving stations, salads, breakfast classics, and a colorful and decadent dessert table.


More things to do in Burlingame.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 14, 2012

Monterey: Olio Vintage Fun & Osio Adobe; things to do

1 South

Olio Vintage Fun  

in Osio Adobe


380 Alvarado St., (831) 375-6546.  W-Sat 10:30-5:30, Sun 11-4. 

exterior of the Oslo Adobe in Monterey, California
exterior of the Oslo Adobe in Monterey, California


Operating inside the historic 1849 Osio Adobe, the Olio Vintage Fun boutique purveys 1950s items--think rotary phones and vintage sewing patterns.  The appealing adobe is one of the few still standing on this street and is a good example of a two-story adobe with a cantilevered balcony. 


More Monterey adobes.

All-adobe tour of Monterey.

More things to do in Monterey.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 12, 2012

Lafayette: Amarin Thai Cuisine; restaurant review

curry dish at Amarin Thai Cuisine in Lafayette, California
Greater East Bay

Amarin Thai Cuisine  

3555 Mt. Diablo Blvd./Oak Hill Rd., (925) 283-8883.  L M-Sat (11-3), D daily; $$.  Reservations advised. 

Traditional dishes are served here at Amarin Thai Cuisine in a pleasant, casual atmosphere.  Among the best items are panang beef and pumpkin curry.  Massaman chicken features long-simmered chicken that is fall-off-the-bone tender in a lightly spiced sauce made better with some sweet-hot sauce.  A crisp green salad comes with lunch.


More things to do in Lafayette.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 9, 2012

Monterey: Casa Serrano; things to do

1 South

Casa Serrano  

412 Pacific St., 831-372-2608.  Tours on Sat 2-4. 

Casa Serrano in Monterey, California
Casa Serrano in Monterey, California


Built in 1845 by Thomas O. Larkin, the graceful Casa Serrano adobe has been completely restored and is furnished with antique furniture and local historic art.  It was one of the first U.S. schools in the area.


More Monterey adobes.

All-adobe tour of Monterey.

More things to do in Monterey.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

image c2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 7, 2012

Kettleman City: In-N-Out Burger; restaurant review

order counter at In-N-Out Burger in Kettleman City, California
5 South

In-N-Out Burger  

Exit 309, 33464 Bernard Dr./Hwy.41, (800) 786-1000.

Only burgers, fries, shakes, and soft drinks are on this super-popular, always buzzing spot’s focused menu.  Patties at In-N-Out Burger are made from fresh beef that has never been frozen.  Buns are preservative-free, and fries are made fresh each day from Kennebec potatoes and fried in cholesterol-free oil.  Onions are also fresh, and grilling them is a free option.  But unfortunately, the veggie burger is basically a grilled cheese. 

In-N-Out Burger is also in:

Santa Nella 

at 28900 Henry Miller Rd, Gustine, (800) 786-1000.

and

Tejon Ranch 

at Exit 219A, on west side of freeway, 5926 Dennis McCarthy Dr.


More stops on Highway 5 South.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 1-20-20

November 5, 2012

Monterey: Vasquez Adobe; things to do

1 South

Vasquez Adobe  

On Dutra St./Jefferson St., behind Colton Hall. 

exterior of Vasquez Adobe in Monterey, California
exterior of Vasquez Adobe in Monterey, California


The family home of the colorful bandit Tiburcio Vasquez, this 1835 adobe has changed dramatically since it was built as a single-story structure.  Charming and flamboyant Tiburcio was into cattle wrestling, horse stealing, and stage coach robbery.  He was captured in 1874 where the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles is today, then tried and hung in San Jose.  Today the Vasquez Adobe houses city offices and is not generally open to the public.


More Monterey adobes.

All-adobe tour of Monterey.

More things to do in Monterey.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

November 2, 2012

Monterey: Introduction to Monterey Adobes + Lara-Soto Adobe; things to do

1 South

Introduction to Monterey Adobes


Monterey is home to the most adobes west of Santa Fe.  The largest adobe concentration is in the historic downtown area and near Fisherman’s Wharf.  Monterey State Historic Park protects a large collection.  A few others are owned by private organizations and individuals, and some have been adapted to business use. 

Luckily for us, today we can shop, dine, sight-see, sleep, and more in historic adobes.  For a while, I will be posting descriptions some of the many adobes I discovered on a recent research trip.  Let's start with:

Lara-Soto Adobe  

460 Pierce St.. 

exterior of Lara-Soto Adobe in Monterey, California
exterior of Lara-Soto Adobe in Monterey, California


Built in the 1830s, this property was one of the few lots granted directly to a woman.  It was once owned by John Steinbeck, who began writing “The Pearl” here.  Legend has it that the magnificent Monterey cypress in the front yard was planted as a seedling over the grave of an occupants' infant first child.  The the Lara-Soto Adobe is currently the admissions office for the Monterey Institute of International Studies.


More Monterey adobes.

All-adobe tour of Monterey.

More things to do in Monterey.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.  

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

October 31, 2012

San Francisco: Altered Barbie exhibit; things to do

San Francisco

Altered Barbie Exhibit   

At Shotwell 50, 50 Shotwell St./14th St., (415) 240-2202. 

Altered Barbie exhibit in San Francisco
Altered Barbie exhibit in San Francisco


Free, but donations welcome, including donations of used and new Barbies and Kens.  Don’t miss this 10th annual exhibition of clever Barbie art, contributed to by artists who like to have fun.  Special events include a make your own altered Barbie workshop.  Runs through November 18, 2012; W-Sat 1-8,  Sun 1-5.


More things to do in San Francisco

Way more things to do in San Francisco.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

"Barbituate Barbie" by Brian Adams; image courtesy of Altered Barbie

October 29, 2012

Berkeley: Athineon (CLOSED); restaurant review

lunch plate at Athineon in Berkeley, California
80 North

Athineon  

CLOSED  1941 University Ave./Martin Luther King Jr Way, (510) 705-8500.  L M-F, D Tu-Sat; $.  Takes reservations. 

Prices are low and portions are large at this cozy Greek spot, which I prefer for takeout.  Try the cheesy-spinach spanakopita, mousaka, a meatless Greek salad, lamb gyro sandwich roll in a warm pita (upon request they add tzaziki, red onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños).  Mythos beer and non-alcoholic carbonated ouzo soda are available. 


More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

October 26, 2012

Albany: Casa Oaxaca; things to do

80 North

Casa Oaxaca  

1286 Solano Ave., in Albany, (510) 524-0551.  Daily 10-6. 

Filled to overflowing with colorful craft items from Mexico, Casa Oaxaca is an exciting browse.  Don’t miss the large rack of embroidered cotton tops or the wall masks sporting real goat teeth!  And, of course, right now there is a good selection of Day of the Dead items.


More things to do in Albany. 

More things to do in Berkeley.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

October 24, 2012

Berkeley: Ethnic Arts (CLOSED); things to do

art object at Ethnic Arts in Berkeley, California
80 North

Ethnic Arts  

CLOSED  1314 10th St., in Gilman Center, (510) 527-5270.  M-Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5. 

Displaying an extensive collection of crafts and artifacts from around the world, Ethnic Arts feels almost like a museum.  It’s the perfect place to pick up a painted tin heart from Mexico, a chic short kimono coat from Japan, or a woven Embera Indian mask from Panama.  Right now a sale is in progress as the shop prepares to move to San Pablo Avenue.



More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

photo credit:  Ethnic Arts website

October 5, 2012

San Francisco: Quince; restaurant review

waiters at Quince in San Francisco
San Francisco

Quince  

470 Pacific Ave./Sansome St., (415) 775-8500. D daily; $$$+. Reservations advised. Valet parking. 

Known for impeccable technique and fresh local ingredients, this sophisticated venue can be difficult to spot—it has no street number or name sign. The menu changes daily at Quince but might include sea scallops with squash blossoms and sea urchin sauce, a fig and mesculun salad, tortelli stuffed with artichoke and burrata, or crisped halibut with eggplant puree and tiny green chickpeas—punctuated with an amuse and sweet tray. Expect foam toppings and tiny portions of esoteric items—squid, octopus, eel, suckling pig—and delivery by a choreographed line of waiters.





October 1, 2012

Auburn: M and Company; things to do

Highway 49--Gold Rush Country

M and Company  

180 Sacramento St., in Historic Old Town, (530) 878-5115.  Daily 10-5. 

M and Company shop in Auburn, California
M and Company shop in Auburn, California


Gifts and home decoration are purveyed in one huge open room in an atmospheric vintage brick building.


More things to do in Gold Rush Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated Feb. 2, 2015

September 28, 2012

Sierra City: Mountain Creek Restaurant + Buckhorn Tavern (CLOSED); restaurant review

garden seating at Mountain Creek Restaurant + Buckhorn Tavern in Sierra City, California
Highway 49--Gold Rush Country

Mountain Creek Restaurant  + Buckhorn Tavern 

CLOSED  225 Main St., (530) 862-1171. B-L-D (days vary); $$.

Though inside seating is available at garden seating at Mountain Creek Restaurant + Buckhorn Tavern in Sierra City, in good weather most diners opt for the outside garden. There, a gentle waterfall flows through the center of the terraced patio, with seating on either side. Portions are large, and especially good dishes on the extensive menu include rib-eye steak, burgers (including veggie burgers), onion rings, ranch dressing, baked potatoes, garlic-cheese bread, and Bloody Marys.


September 26, 2012

Special Events around the San Francisco Bay Area; things to do

San Francisco

All these exciting events take place this weekend:

**On Saturday, September 29th, museums nationwide will offer free admission.  For a list of participating museums in California visit http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-search/?state=California. To avoid disappointment, I suggest you call the museum you are interested in directly to confirm their particpation and any restrictions. 

**All 397 national parks will offer free entrance on Saturday, September 29, for National Public Lands Day. This 19th annual event encourages everyone to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Visit www.nps.gov for a list of parks and information to help plan your park adventure.

**San Francisco’s Travel Show is at the downtown Concourse Exhibition Center on Saturday and Sunday, September 29-30.  Meet hundreds of exhibitors highlighting destinations from around the globe.  Great vacation deals and specials will be available right at the show--even some trip giveaways, including a 4-person California whitewater rafting trip courtesy Mother Lode and a 6-day Fly-Drive Vacation courtesy of Virgin Vacations.  Tickets are $8 at the door; kids under 18 free.





September 24, 2012

Nevada City: My Favorite Things; things to do

Highway 49--Gold Rush Country

My Favorite Things  

425 Broad St., (530) 265-4900. 

merchandise at My Favorite Things in Nevada City, California
merchandise at My Favorite Things in Nevada City, California


At My Favorite Things you will find well-priced handmade treasures that are sure to please your girlfriends—little decorated boxes, tiny crowns, heart soaps, charming cards saying things like “Girlfriends Matter.”  This is my favorite shop in town!



More things to do in Nevada City.

More things to do in Gold Rush Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

September 22, 2012

Nevada City: Asylum Down; things to do

Highway 49--Gold Rush Country

Asylum Down  

300 Broad St., (530) 265-9666. 



This hippie-style shop is filled with natural fiber clothing and tie-dyed everything--don’t miss the trippy cotton t-shirts or the large children’s collection that includes darling onesies for babies.  The shop also purveys a large collection of baskets and novelty items.  

overview of Asylum Down in Nevada City, California
overview of Asylum Down in Nevada City, California


tie-dyed baby wear at Asylum Down in Nevada City, California
tie-dyed baby wear at Asylum Down in Nevada City, California


checkout counter at Asylum Down in Nevada City, California
checkout counter at Asylum Down in Nevada City, California



More things to do in Nevada City.

More things to do in Gold Rush Country.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 7-17-21

September 19, 2012

Graeagle: shops; things to do

Gold Rush Country/Plumas County


The main drag in the charming town of Graeagle is lined with little red cottages that were once the homes of lumber mill workers and now are converted into unique shops.  Here are a few that I particularly enjoyed browsing on my recent visit.

Red House Art shop in Graeagle, California

Graeagle Mercantile shop in Graeagle, California

Graeagle Mercantile  

108 Hwy. 89, (530) 836-2515.

The pleasant Graeagle Mercantile shop features a nicely edited collection of greeting cards, clothing, souvenirs, and lots more.

Red House Art  

126 Hwy. 89, (530) 836-0104.

A variety of fine art, jewelry, and gifts are displayed at Red House Art—everything from lovely oil paintings of local scenes to whimsical bird feeders made from recycled kitchen gear.


More things to do in the area.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

images ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

September 17, 2012

Graeagle: Graeagle Restaurant; restaurant review

Gold Rush Country/Plumas County

Graeagle Restaurant  

7430 Hwy. 89, (530) 836-2393.  B-L daily; seasonal; $. 

Graeagle Restaurant in Graeagle, California
Graeagle Restaurant in Graeagle, California


The large open dining room at Graeagle Restaurant looks like nothing has changed since the 1930s or ‘40s.  Decor is non-existent, with a line of counter seating and a sprinkling of tables and chairs filling the space.  Breakfast features scrambles and omelettes as well as old-time biscuits and creamy sausage gravy.  Lunch choices include burgers, a hot pastrami sandwich, and milkshakes and freezes.  Homemade desserts include fruit pies and cinnamon rolls. 


More things to do in the area.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

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